Verbena: The Magical Bloom That Symbolizes Healing, Protection, and Pure Love

With over 250 species in the Verbena genus, you can find Verbena plants in various colors and sizes. Verbena flowers are traditionally seen as symbols of sacredness and healing. They have many medical benefits and have been used by multiple cultures to bless buildings and altars. They are also used as ornamental plants in gardens and planters.

Etymological Meaning

The name verbena comes from the Latin word meaning “sacred bough.” This further supports the belief that the verbena plant is scared.

Verbena Flowers in Victorian Times

In Victorian times, the verbena flower held significant meaning in the language of flowers, also known as floriography.

Verbena was associated with enchantment and protection. It was often used to convey a message of being bewitched by someone’s charms or wishing for the recipient’s safety.

The Victorians, known for their subtle ways of expressing emotions and intentions through flowers, would use verbena to signify that they found someone irresistibly attractive or were under the spell of that person’s beauty and character.

Additionally, verbena was thought to offer protection and bring good fortune, symbolizing positive and protective energy.

Religious Significance

Some Christians believe that verbena was used to treat Christ’s wounds as he hung on the cross. Others report that the plant sprung up from where Christ’s blood fell. That’s why this plant is sometimes called the herb of the cross.

Druids often used the plant in ceremonies, believing it held powers. Additionally, witches used these flowers in potions.

Verbena in Ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece

Egyptians held the verbena plant in high regard. Lore tells that the plant first arose from the tears goddess Isis shed when she learned that the god Osiris had died.

Both Greeks and Romans also believed the verbena plant was sacred. They used the plants to help purify important places such as temples and altars.

Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder believed this sacred plant could purify locations and be a valuable component of potions.

Verbena Flower Colors

Like many flowers, each color of verbena has a specific meaning.

Red verbena flowers are traditionally associated with respect, admiration, and love. They can also symbolize passion and lust.

Pink verbena flowers are seen as symbols of good cheer and kindness. They are the perfect way to let a friend know you are thinking about them.

Due to purple’s once rare nature, purple verbena flowers are seen as symbols of royalty and respect. 

Just as the sky and ocean present a feeling of calmness and serenity, so do blue verbena flowers. However, since blue flowers are rare, they can also symbolize mystery and intrigue.

Healing Hands Throughout History

Verbena has been linked to healing powers since ancient times.

The Romans called it “herba sacra” (sacred herb) and used it to sweep temple altars. They believed these flowers had almost magical healing abilities—from curing snake bites to mending broken hearts.

The Peace-Making Plant

In Celtic traditions, verbena symbolized peace and reconciliation.

Druids used these flowers during truce negotiations, believing they cooled hot tempers and encouraged fair compromise.

Think of verbena as the original conflict resolution consultant – working its diplomatic magic long before professional mediators existed.

Love Potion Ingredient #1

Verbena earned a reputation as a potent love charm in medieval Europe. People tucked it into pouches to attract their crush or brewed it into teas to strengthen romantic bonds.

It was the medieval version of online dating – except instead of swiping right, you’d slip someone verbena and hope for the best. Results probably varied as much as today’s dating apps!

The Witch’s Best Friend

These flowers have a long association with witchcraft and protection from dark forces.

In many European traditions, verbena was hung over doors to keep evil spirits at bay. It became a staple in protective spells and cleansing rituals.

Before home security systems, people had verbena – nature’s original “Beware of Dog” sign for spirits and troublemakers.

Holy Herb of Biblical Proportions

Legend claims that verbena was used to stop Jesus’s wounds from bleeding during the crucifixion, earning it nicknames like “Tears of Isis” and “Devil’s Bane.”

This connection gave verbena symbolism related to divine protection and sanctity.

Wishes in Bloom

In European folklore, verbena represents wish fulfillment and manifestation. People would make a wish while plucking a verbena flower, believing their desire would materialize if they kept faith.

Communication Channel to Higher Powers

Native American tribes used verbena in ceremonies to open communication with spiritual realms. The plant symbolized the bridge between worlds and helped shamans connect with ancestral wisdom.

The Happiness Herb

Verbena has symbolic associations with joy and happiness in several cultures. Its bright, clustered blooms were thought to lift spirits and chase away melancholy.

In the days before antidepressants, someone might recommend “verbena therapy” for the blues.

Protective Power for Travelers

Historical records show travelers carried verbena for protection on journeys. Romans believed it safeguarded against accidents and misfortune on the road.

It was essentially the original travel insurance policy, though probably less effective than modern coverage for lost luggage.

Suitable Gifting Occasions

Due to its easy-to-care-for nature and beautiful flowers, verbena makes great gifts for all kinds of occasions. Consider giving someone a verbena plant as a birthday, anniversary, or housewarming gift.

However, since these are warm-weather plants, the best time to give someone a verbena plant is spring. That means they make perfect gifts for holidays like Mother’s Day and Easter.

Wrap-up

Although many years have passed since Ancient Rome and Egypt, verbena flowers are still seen as symbols of healing and sacredness. You can’t go wrong with planting some of these stunning plants in your garden.